Common Car Problems Everyone Can Fix Themselves

Purchasing a vehicle is a significant investment. A car or truck is something most people want to remain reliable, safe, and trouble-free. After the purchase price and insurance are covered, minor repairs can take a chunk out of the budget, so luckily not all problems have to be fixed by an expensive mechanic. There are several common car problems which are easily resolved with a bit of know-how and simple tools. Always allow the car to cool before getting started.

Flat Tire

You have just run over a spike and are stranded on the side of the road with a flat. This scenario can be frustrating and untimely but easily resolved if there is a spare tire available. Using a car jack, lift the vehicle from the frame and remove the lug nuts by turning them with a wrench counter-clockwise. Install the spare and lower the car slowly. The spare should be replaced with a proper tire as soon as possible.

Replacing Light Bulbs

Drivers tend to notify other drivers of their burned-out headlights by flashing their lights at the oncoming vehicle. To replace, the proper size and model of the bulb are required, as is the decision to go with regular or LEDs. The faulty bulb needs to removed from behind the casing, and the new one slipped right in its place. Turn the car on and have someone check they are both working.

Charging A Dead Battery

Leaving the lights on overnight can lead to a surprise dead battery in the morning. If a car fails to start, a battery tester will determine if a dead battery is the cause. Visible corrosion should be cleaned first, then remove the bolt from the negative terminal before the positive. If there is a ground wire, remove it. Install the new battery, and the car will be ready for the road.

Replacing Spark Plugs

Mounting Mirrors

Side-view mirrors are necessary to avoid blind spots and check the traffic flow. They can be broken, smashed, or knocked off by a swift strike but are easy to replace. They come with screws which mount the mirror to the door. If there is a power connector, it has to be connected to the outlet. Once the mirror is attached, the cover panel is the last piece to add.

Changing The Oil

One of the most common home maintenance jobs is an oil change. It ensures a smooth ride. The proper type of oil and oil filter are needed for each car model. Some cars require more or less oil for a complete fill. The old oil is drained with the loosening of the bolt, the filter popped off and replaced, and fresh oil added after tightening the bolt back on.

Replacing A Bad Belt

The squeaking sound coming from a running car is often due to belts in disrepair. They suffer wear and tear, leading to cracks. It is best to know the way the belt runs through before taking the old one off. Once it's off, replace it with a new belt by following the correct path while the pulleys are exposed. The final thing to do is to tighten the unlocked tension arm.

Changing The Alternator

A dead alternator can often be blamed for a car which fails to turn over. This is an electrical job, but one that can be done by nearly anyone. All connections need to be removed first before the brackets are loosened and removed. The belt can be removed by loosening the tension. Put in the working one and do all of the steps in reverse to have it as good as new.

Replacing A Leaky Radiator

Car experts agree that replacing a radiator is easier than fixing one. The coolant must be removed first while the car is lifted. Other things to remove are the overflow tank, cooling fans, top radiator hose, fans, transmission cooling line, and top brackets. A new radiator can go right in and old rubber tubes replaced. Fresh antifreeze and water are the last things to add in a fifty-fifty ratio.

Replacing Brake Pads And Rotors

To remove the brake pads, first, take off the slide pins. That will take the brake caliper off for easy removal of the pads. The piston will need to be pushed down evenly with a c-clamp. If the rotors are not warped, they do not need to be replaced, and the pads can go on, followed by the caliper and the tightening of the pins. Remember to check the brake fluid.